Marsaxlokk FC have issued a strong public statement condemning what they described as “shameful and violent acts” allegedly committed by Hibernians players at the end of Saturday’s YoHealth Malta Premier League match at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. The club has called for disciplinary action from the relevant authorities, stressing that such behaviour has “no place in the sport.”
The statement, released on Saturday evening, said the conduct observed “directly attacked the game’s integrity”, and praised the refereeing team for maintaining composure during the incident. Marsaxlokk requested that disciplinary bodies take action to avoid similar situations in the future.
The club’s reaction followed a tense end to an eventful match that saw Marsaxlokk come from two goals down to draw 2–2, a result that pushed Hibernians into the Bottom Six.
Hibernians appeared to be in full control early in the match, with Lucas Lapert Villela scoring twice in quick succession during the first half. Marsaxlokk’s situation worsened just before half-time when goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi was sent off for a challenge on Cleiton Mendonca, leaving them to play with ten men.
However, Marsaxlokk responded impressively. A 69th-minute corner forced an own goal to make it 2–1, and the equaliser arrived on 79 minutes when Hama Jubhel rose highest to head home. Both sides had late chances to win it before Dexter Xuereb was dismissed in stoppage time, leaving Hibernians also down to ten players.
It was in the moments following the final whistle that tensions reportedly escalated, prompting Marsaxlokk’s strong reaction.
The club stated that the behaviour in question “was not passion”, but rather “a risky and humiliating performance that had no place in our sport.” The statement emphasised the need to protect the reputation of Maltese football and urged the authorities to address the matter decisively.
No formal sanctions have yet been announced, and both clubs are expected to provide reports to the Malta FA’s disciplinary bodies.
